The Allahabad High Court has granted interim relief from arrest to Mohammed Zubair, co-founder of Alt News, in a case alleging that his tweets incited communal discord and endangered public harmony.

The court, while reserving its final decision, directed Zubair to surrender his passport and prohibited him from leaving the country. The controversy centers on Zubair's October 2024 tweets criticizing inaction against Dasna Devi Temple priest Yati Narsinghanand, despite multiple FIRs filed against him.

The FIR alleged that these tweets escalated tensions, leading to unrest at the temple on October 4, 2024, during which the priest narrowly escaped an attack.

Zubair's counsel argued that the tweets were within his rights as a journalist and fact-checker, highlighting police inaction rather than inciting violence. The prosecution countered, claiming the tweets heightened religious tensions and threatened communal harmony.

The court, noting Zubair's prior legal history and a Supreme Court precedent favoring free speech, deferred further proceedings to January 6, 2025, requesting detailed affidavits to assess the allegations and the legal definition of "separatist activities."

Case Title: Mohammed Zubair Vs. State Of Uttar Pradesh And 3 Others